Psalm 19 11

Psalm 19:11 kjv

Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Psalm 19:11 nkjv

Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 19:11 niv

By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 19:11 esv

Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 19:11 nlt

They are a warning to your servant,
a great reward for those who obey them.

Psalm 19 verses

Psalm 19 11 Meaning

Psalm 19:11 conveys that God's perfect law serves as a protective warning for His servants, guiding them away from sin and danger. Furthermore, diligent and active obedience to these divine decrees yields abundant blessings and profound spiritual fulfillment, constituting a great reward that is intrinsically linked to the life of faith.

Psalm 19 11 Context

Psalm 19 stands as a powerful testament to God's twofold revelation. The initial section (verses 1-6) eloquently describes general revelation, where the heavens declare God's glory through the created order, accessible to all humanity. The second, and profoundly significant, section (verses 7-14) pivots to special revelation, focusing on the divine law, the Torah. It extols the perfection, trustworthiness, righteousness, and inherent goodness of God's statutes, demonstrating how they transform the soul, enlighten the eyes, and endure forever. Verse 11 falls within this second part, specifically articulating two practical and vital benefits derived from these perfect divine decrees for the "servant" of God. Historically, for ancient Israel, their very existence and covenant relationship with Yahweh were predicated upon their obedience to the Law, making its warnings and promises of reward deeply embedded in their cultural and spiritual understanding, in contrast to reliance on pagan or humanistic wisdom.

Psalm 19 11 Word analysis

• Moreover: The Hebrew gam (גַּם) functions as a connective, meaning "also," "indeed," or "even." It bridges the preceding detailed descriptions of God's perfect law with these additional, critical benefits. It emphasizes that these are not isolated truths but natural consequences of the Law's inherent excellence.

• by them: This phrase refers collectively to "the law of the Lord," "the testimony of the Lord," "the statutes of the Lord," "the commandment of the Lord," "the fear of the Lord," and "the judgments of the Lord," as described in Psalm 19:7-9. These terms comprehensively describe God's divinely revealed Word or Torah. They are the active agents through which the servant receives instruction and blessing.

• is thy servant: "Thy servant" (אבדך, `abd-ḵā) is the Psalmist's humble self-designation, representing all those who genuinely commit to God's will. It signifies a relationship of devotion, obedience, and dependence, characteristic of a faithful covenant member who is receptive to divine guidance.

• warned: The Hebrew verb is nizhar (נִזְהָר), a Nifal participle from the root zahar (זָהַר), meaning "to admonish," "to caution," "to enlighten," or "to take warning." This highlights God's protective nature. The Law doesn't just inform; it proactively points out dangers and harmful paths, thereby protecting the obedient from the consequences of sin, self-deception, and evil influences (Prov 6:23). It acts as a spiritual safeguard.

• and in keeping of them: The Hebrew noun bə·šam·ram (בְּשָׁמְרָם) uses the root shamar (שָׁמַר), meaning "to guard," "to watch over," "to observe diligently," "to obey," or "to preserve." It signifies active, intentional, and persistent obedience, not just passive hearing or knowledge. This "keeping" implies a life lived in accordance with God's principles, upholding them in practice.

• there is great reward: The Hebrew `eqeb (עֵקֶב) can mean "heel" or "consequence." Here, it signifies "the consequence of," "the result of," or "in the outcome." The reward (`eqeb) is intrinsically tied to the act of "keeping." It's not a transactional payment for duty, but the inherent blessing and flourishing that results from living in alignment with divine wisdom. "Great" emphasizes its profound, lasting, and multifaceted value, far exceeding material gain.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Moreover by them is thy servant warned": This phrase emphasizes the Law's crucial protective role. God's revelation serves as a divine navigational system, alerting His servants to spiritual perils, the deceitfulness of sin, and the consequences of disobedience, thus steering them away from harm. It signifies God's loving pre-emptive guidance.
  • "and in keeping of them there is great reward": This highlights the dynamic connection between obedient living and the subsequent abundant blessings. The reward is inherent in the obedience itself and granted by God's faithfulness. It speaks to the spiritual and often temporal prosperity, peace, joy, and profound communion with God that accompanies a life diligently conformed to His righteous ways. This is the fruit of divine wisdom enacted in daily life.

Psalm 19 11 Bonus section

• Fulfillment in Christ: Jesus, as the living Word and the fulfillment of the Law (Matt 5:17), embodies both the ultimate warning against sin and the greatest reward. His life perfectly modeled the keeping of God's commands, and through His atoning work, He warns humanity of judgment while offering the reward of eternal life and righteousness to all who believe and obey Him.
• Nature of the Reward: The "great reward" transcends material gain, extending to profound spiritual flourishing, including intimacy with God, inner peace that surpasses understanding (Phil 4:7), a clear conscience, purposeful living, discernment in decision-making, resilience in trials, and ultimately, eternal life and a glorious inheritance (1 Pet 1:4).
• Theology of Blessings: This verse aligns with the broader biblical theology that links obedience to blessing (e.g., Deut 28) and warns against the natural consequences of disobedience (Lev 26). The "reward" is often the inherent, natural consequence of living aligned with truth and righteousness.
• Polemics against Humanism: In the ancient world, as today, human wisdom often seeks to define truth and establish norms apart from divine revelation. Psalm 19, particularly verse 11, presents a stark contrast, asserting that true wisdom, protective warning, and genuine reward emanate solely from God's perfect, active, and transforming Law.

Psalm 19 11 Commentary

Psalm 19:11 beautifully encapsulates the profound dual blessing of God's revealed Word: it acts as a warning and promises a great reward. As a warning, God's Law illuminates sin and its destructive consequences, guiding His servant away from error and danger. It functions not as a restrictive burden, but as a loving safeguard, akin to a spiritual compass and moral fence that preserves life and integrity. This protective aspect reveals God's tender care, ensuring His people avoid the pitfalls that lead to spiritual and temporal demise. Simultaneously, the verse powerfully declares that diligent keeping – active and intentional obedience – of these divine statutes yields immeasurable reward. This is not a transaction to earn salvation, which is by grace through faith, but rather the intrinsic and inherent blessings that flow from a life lived in harmony with the Creator's design. This "great reward" encompasses spiritual peace, inner joy, wisdom, divine communion, purpose, and often manifest blessings, reflecting God's benevolence towards His faithful ones. It underscores that God's commands lead to abundant and meaningful life.